DIAGNOSTIC MORPHOLOGY : Collembola Adults:

• 2.0 to 12.0 mm long • Range of color varies from whitish, yellowish, gray to black • Wingless with segmented antennae • Most species have elongated bodies, but some have globose bodies. • Forked structure (furcula) located on the ventral side of the GENERAL INFORMATION fourth abdominal segment • can leap 75 to 100 mm using furcula Springtails are classified in the order Collembola. • Sexes look alike They are most commonly found in , but can also be found in leaf litter, logs, dung, caves, Immature• Stage: shorelines, water surfaces etc. There are many • They undergo incomplete metamorphosis egg-nymph-adult, species, and they have worldwide distribution. maintaining the same basic body shape but change in color and grow in size. They are sometimes referred as “ fleas” for their ability to survive severely cold temperatures, and are sometimes mistaken for fleas indoors because of their small size and their ability to propel through the air or “jump.” The difference is that fleas use hind legs to jump, and springtails use CONTROL & TREATMENT their forked “” or furcula to propel themselves. Physical removal, as well as locating the source of the infestation: clean the infested area to remove any possible mold and debris, use dehumidifiers SIGNS OF INFESTATION and fans to dry damp spaces, and make sure humidity levels remain low and constant. The presence of adults and immature springtails is Springtails in general seem resistant to most a sign of infestation. Springtails usually infest pesticides. areas that are dark, damp and humid.

FOOD SOURCES decaying plant material, , mold, mold . One source states that rarely some species will eat dead material and live plants.

LIFE CYCLE

They undergo incomplete metamorphosis egg- nymph-adult, maintaining the same basic body shape but growing in size. They continue to molt throughout their adult life.

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information current as of 6 March 2013 for more information www.museumpests.net Fact Sheet: Springtail

Photo of three springtails credit: Samuel Abbott, Utah State University

Photo of two springtails credit: North Star Conrtol(http://www.northstarpestcontrol.biz/images/ CI.springtail.jpg)

Photo of single springtail: Texas A&M University, Entomology Department (

Information:

Mallis, A., et al. (2011), Handbook of Pest Control - Tenth Edition, Mallis Handbook LLC, 1227-1229

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05602.html

http://www.buglife.org.uk/discoverbugs/knowledge/typesofinvertebratesbyhabitat/terrestrial/springtails

http://eol.org/pages/336/details

information current as of 6 March 2013 for more information www.museumpests.net